Liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates, an active area to display an image, a seal material surrounding the active area, and an intermediate area between the active area and the seal area. In the intermediate area, first and second color filters are formed on the second substrate. An overcoat layer is laminated on the first and second color filters. First and second pillar-shaped spacers are provided between the overcoat layer and the first substrate corresponding to the first and second color filters to form a first and second cell gaps between the first and second substrates, respectively. The first cell gap adjacent to the active area between the first and second substrates is smaller than the second cell gap adjacent to the seal area in the intermediate area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2010-139754, filed Jun. 18, 2010, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a liquid crystaldisplay device.

BACKGROUND

Liquid crystal display devices are widely used as display devices forvarious kinds of equipments such as personal computers, OA equipments,and TV sets because the liquid crystal display devices have manyadvantages such as lightness, compactness and low power consumption. Inrecent years, the liquid crystal display device has also been used inmobile terminal equipments such as a mobile phone, a car navigationdevice and a game player.

In the liquid crystal display device, a pair of substrates is arrangedopposing each other. A cell gap holding a liquid crystal layer isformed, for example, by preparing a pillar-shaped spacer formed in onesubstrate and a spacer seat layer formed on another substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute aportion of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention,and together with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the embodiments given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a composition of a liquidcrystal display device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a figure schematically showing the composition and anequivalent circuit of the liquid crystal display panel shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the composition of a pixelin an array substrate shown in FIG. 2 looking from a counter substrate.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal displaypanel taken along line A-B in the pixel shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an active area, an intermediatearea, and a seal area in the liquid crystal display panel.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an active area,an intermediate area, and a seal area in the liquid crystal displaypanel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a figure showing an example of a layout of a first colorfilter, a second color filter, and a spacer seat layer in the liquidcrystal display panel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a figure showing other example of the layout of the firstcolor filter, the second color filter, and the spacer seat layer in theliquid crystal display panel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a figure showing other example of the layout of the firstcolor filter, the second color filter, and the spacer seat layer in theliquid crystal display panel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a figure for explaining a relation between the thickness ofan overcoat layer and the form of a ground layer on which the overcoatlayer is formed.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the active area, theintermediate area, and the seal area in the liquid crystal display panelaccording to other embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the active area, theintermediate area, and the seal area in the liquid crystal display panelaccording to other embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a figure schematically showing other example of thecomposition of the liquid crystal display device according to theembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A liquid crystal device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein the same or like reference numeralsdesignate the same or corresponding portions throughout the severalviews.

In one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes :a firstsubstrate including; a pixel electrode arranged in an active area todisplay an image in the first substrate, a seal area surrounding theactive area, and a first pillar-shaped spacer arranged adjacent to theactive area and a second pillar-shaped spacer arranged adjacent to theseal area in an intermediate area located between the active area andthe seal area, a second substrate including; a peripheral lightshielding layer extending from the intermediate area to the seal area, afirst color filter of a first width laminated on the peripheral lightshielding layer right above the first pillar-shaped spacer in the shapeof a belt or an island, a second color filter of a second widthdifferent from the first width, the second color filter being laminatedon the peripheral light shielding layer right above the secondpillar-shaped spacer in the shape of a belt or an island, and anovercoat layer laminated on the first and second color filters, a sealmaterial arranged on the seal area of the first substrate to attach thefirst and second substrates in the shape of a closed loop; and a liquidcrystal layer held between the first and second substrates; wherein thethickness of the overcoat layer arranged between the first pillar-shapedspacer and the first color filter is smaller than that arranged betweenthe second pillar-shaped spacer and the second color filter.

In other embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes: a firstsubstrate including; a pixel electrode arranged in an active area todisplay an image in the first substrate, a seal area surrounding theactive area, and a first pillar-shaped spacer arranged adjacent to theactive area and second pillar-shaped spacer arranged adjacent to theseal area in an intermediate area located between the active area andthe seal area, a second substrate including; a peripheral lightshielding layer extending from the intermediate area to the seal area, afirst color filter having two or more first color filter elements with awidth and laminated on the peripheral light shielding layer right abovethe first pillar-shaped spacer in the shape of a belt or an island, asecond color filter having two or more second color filter elements withan approximately same width as that of the first color filter elements,the second color filter being laminated on the peripheral lightshielding layer right above the second pillar-shaped spacer in the shapeof a belt or an island, wherein the interval between the adjacent secondcolor filter elements of the second color filter is smaller than thatbetween the adjacent first color filter elements, and an overcoat layerlaminated on the first and second color filters, a seal materialarranged on the seal area of the first substrate to attach the first andsecond substrates in the shape of a closed loop; and a liquid crystallayer held between the first and second substrates; wherein thethickness of the overcoat layer arranged between the first pillar-shapedspacer and the first color filter is smaller than that arranged betweenthe second pillar-shaped spacer and the second color filter.

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a liquidcrystal display device 1 according to an embodiment. The liquid crystaldisplay device 1 includes an active-matrix type liquid crystal displaypanel LPN, a driver IC chip 2 and a flexible wiring substrate 3, etc.connected to the liquid crystal display panel LPN.

The liquid crystal display panel LPN includes an array substrate AR as afirst substrate, a counter substrates CT as a second substrate facingthe array substrate AR, and a liquid crystal layer (which is notillustrated) held between the array substrate AR and the countersubstrates CT. The array substrate AR and counter substrates CT areattached together by a seal material SE. The liquid crystal layer isheld in a cell gap formed between the array substrate AR and the countersubstrate CT at the inner side surrounded by the seal material SE.

The liquid crystal display panel LPN includes an active area ACT of theshape of an approximately rectangle for displaying an image on the innerside surrounded by the seal material SE. The active area ACT isconstituted by a plurality of pixels PX arranged in the shape of (m×n)matrix (here, m and n are positive integers). The driver IC chip 2 andthe flexible wiring substrate 3 are mounted on the array substrate AR ina peripheral area PRP outside the active area ACT. The peripheral areaPRP includes a seal area SA where the seal material SE is arranged, andan intermediate area MA located between the active area ACT and the sealarea SA.

In this embodiment, the seal material SE is formed between the arraysubstrate AR and the counter substrate CT in the shape of anapproximately rectangular frame, while making a closed loop. That is, aninjecting mouth for injecting a liquid crystal material into the gapbetween the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT is notformed in the seal material SE. The seal material SE is formed of a UVcuring material, et al. and is painted by a drawing method using adispenser device or a screen printing method.

FIG. 2 is a figure schematically showing the composition and theequivalent circuit of the liquid crystal display device panel LPN shownin FIG. 1. Here, a composition of the liquid crystal display deviceusing a lateral electric field (an electric field approximately parallelto the principal surface of the substrates) is explained. The arraysubstrate AR of the liquid crystal display panel LPN is equipped with apixel electrode PE and a counter electrode CE. The lateral electricfield is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the counter electrodeCE. That is, the composition of the Fringe Field Switching (FFS) mode isexplained. The Fringe Field Switching (FFS) mode switches the liquidcrystal molecule forming the liquid crystal layer LQ mainly using thelateral electric field. In addition, the composition of the liquidcrystal display panel LPN is not limited to that explained here, and notonly in the composition explained here, the counter electrode CE may beequipped at the counter substrate CT. Furthermore, TN (Twisted Nematic)mode, OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) mode and VA (Vertical Aligned)mode may be used, in which a vertical electric field is mainly used.

The array substrate AR includes n gate lines G (G1-Gn) and n capacitancelines C (C1-Cn) respectively extending in a X direction in the activearea ACT, m source lines S (S1-Sm) respectively extending in a Ydirection which crosses the X direction, (m×n) switching elements SWelectrically connected with the gate lines G and the source lines S ineach pixel PX, (m×n) pixel electrodes PE connected with the respectiveswitching elements SW in each pixel PX, and the counter electrode CEopposing the pixel electrodes PE, which are portions of a capacitanceline C. A retentive capacitance Cs is formed between the capacitanceline C and the pixel electrode PE. The liquid crystal layer LQ is heldbetween the pixel electrode PE and the counter electrode CE.

Each gate line G is pulled out to the outside of the active area ACT andis connected to a first driver circuit GD. Each source line S is pulledout to the outside of the active area ACT and is connected to a seconddriver circuit SD. Each capacitance line C is pulled out to the outsideof the active area ACT and is connected to a third driver circuit CD.The first driver circuit GD, the second driver circuit SD, and the thirddriver circuit CD are formed on the array substrate AR and are connectedwith the driver IC chip 2.

In the illustrated example, the driver IC chip 2 is mounted on the arraysubstrate AR in the outside of the active area ACT of the liquid crystaldisplay panel LPN. In addition, though illustration of the flexiblewiring substrate 3 is omitted, terminals T for connecting the flexiblewiring substrate are formed at one edge of the array substrate AR. Theterminals T are connected to the driver IC chip 2 through various lines.

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a pixel inthe array substrate AR shown in FIG. 2 looking from the countersubstrate CT.

The gate line G extends in the X direction. The source line S extends inthe Y direction. The switching element SW is arranged near anintersection portion of the gate line G and the source line S and isconstituted by a thin film transistor (TFT). The switching element SWincludes a semiconductor layer SC. The semiconductor layer SC is formedof poly-silicon, amorphous silicon, etc. In this embodiment, thesemiconductor layer SC is formed of poly-silicon.

A gate electrode WG of the switching element SW is located above thesemiconductor layer SC and is electrically connected with the gate lineG (in the illustrated example, the gate electrode WG is integrallyformed with the gate line G). A source electrode WS of the switchingelement SW is electrically connected with the source line S (in theillustrated example, the source electrode WS is integrally formed withthe source line S). A drain electrode WD of the switching element SW iselectrically connected with the pixel electrode PE.

The capacitance line C extends in the X direction. The capacitance lineC includes the counter electrode CE formed so as to correspond to eachpixel PX. The pixel electrode PE is arranged above the counter electrodeCE. The pixel electrode PE is formed in the shape of an islandcorresponding to a pixel form, for example, an approximately quadranglein the pixel PX. The pixel electrodes PE are respectively connected to adrain electrode WD of the switching element SW. A plurality of slits PSLis formed in the pixel electrode PE. In the illustrated example, theslits PSL extend in the direction Y.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal displaypanel taken along line A-B in the pixel shown in FIG. 3.

The array substrate AR is formed using an insulating transmissivesubstrate 20, such as a glass substrate, etc. The array substrate ARincludes the switching element SW in an inside surface (namely, a facecontacting with the liquid crystal layer LQ) of the insulating substrate20. The switching element SW shown here is a thin film transistor of atop gate type. The semiconductor layer SC is arranged on the insulatingsubstrate 20. The semiconductor layer SC is covered with a gateinsulating film 21. Moreover, the gate insulating film 21 is arrangedalso on the insulating substrate 20. An undercoat layer may be arrangedbetween the first insulating substrate 20 and the semiconductor layerSC.

The gate electrode WG of the switching element SW is arranged on thegate insulating film 21 and is located right above the semiconductorlayer SC. The gate electrode WG is covered with a first interlayerinsulating film 22. Moreover, the first interlayer insulating film 22 isarranged also on the gate insulating film 21. The gate insulating film21 and the first interlayer insulating film 22 are formed, for example,of inorganic system materials, such as silicon nitride (SiN).

The source electrode WS and drain electrode WD of the switching elementSW are arranged on the first interlayer insulating film 22. The sourceelectrode WS and drain electrode WD are respectively in contact with thesemiconductor layer SC through a contact hole which penetrates the gateinsulating film 21 and the first interlayer insulating film 22. Thesource line S is also arranged on the first interlayer insulating film22. The gate electrode WG, the source electrode WS, and the drainelectrode WD are formed of electric conductive materials, such asmolybdenum, aluminum, tungsten, and titanium

The source electrode WS and drain electrode WD are covered with a secondinsulating film 23. Moreover, the second insulating film 23 is arrangedalso on the first interlayer insulating film 22. The capacitance line Cincluding the counter electrode CE is arranged on a third interlayerinsulating film 24. The third interlayer insulating film 24 is alsoarranged on the second insulating film 23

The pixel electrode PE is arranged on the third interlayer insulatingfilm 24. The pixel electrode PE is connected to the drain electrode WDthrough a contact hole which penetrates the second interlayer insulatingfilm 23 and third interlayer insulating film 24. Slits PSL opposing thecounter electrode CE are formed in the pixel electrode PE.

The counter electrode CE, the capacitance line C and the pixel electrodePE are formed by a transmissive electric conductive material, forexample, Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO), etc. The pixelelectrode PE is covered with a first alignment film 25. The firstalignment film 25 is arranged on the surface of the array substrate ARwhich contacts with the liquid crystal layer LQ.

On the other hand, the counter substrate CT is formed using aninsulating transmissive substrate 30, such as a glass substrate, etc.The counter substrate CT includes a black matrix 31 to lay out eachpixel PX and a color filter 32 in an inside surface (namely, a surfacecontacting with the liquid crystal layer LQ) of the insulating substrate30.

The black matrix 31 on the second insulating substrate 30 is arranged inthe active area ACT. More specifically, the black matrix 31 is arrangedso that the black matrix 31 opposes line portions, such as the gatelines G, the source lines S, and also the switching elements SW on thearray substrate AR. The black matrix 31 is formed of a black coloredresin or metal material having a light blocking characteristics, such aschromium (Cr), etc.

On the second insulating substrate 30, the color filter 32 is arrangedin the active area ACT. More specifically, the color filter 32 has aneffective portion 32A formed on the second insulating substrate 30, anda peripheral portion 32B laminated on the black matrix 31. The colorfilter 32 contains a red color filter arranged corresponding to a redpixel, a blue color filter arranged corresponding to a blue pixel, and agreen color filter arranged corresponding to a green pixel. These redcolor filters, the blue color filter, and the green color filter areformed of resin materials colored in each color.

In the liquid crystal mode using the lateral electric field asmentioned-above, it is preferable that the surface contacting with theliquid crystal layer LQ of the counter substrate CT is formed flat, andthe counter substrate CT further includes an overcoat layer 33 whichmakes the surface of the black matrix 31 and the color filter 32 smooth.

That is, the overcoat layer 33 extends on the black matrix 31 and thecolor filter 32. In the illustrated example, the overcoat layer 33 isarranged on the black matrix 31, the effective portion 32A of the colorfilter 32, and further on a peripheral portion 32B of the color filter32 laminated on the black matrix 31.

In addition, the film thickness of the overcoat layer 33 on the blackmatrix 31 and the effective portion 32A is respectively thicker than thefilm thickness of the overcoat layer 33 on the peripheral portion 32B.The overcoat layer 33 is formed of, for example, a transparent resinmaterial. The overcoat layer 33 is covered with a second alignment film34. The second alignment film 34 is arranged on the surface of thecounter substrate CT contacting with the liquid crystal layer LQ.

The first and second alignment films 25 and 34 are formed, for example,with polyimide. While a rubbing direction of the first alignment film 25is in parallel with that of the second alignment film 34, the directionsare opposite each other. For example, in case the rubbing direction ofthe first alignment film 25 is made into the direction slightly tiltedby θ° to the Y direction, the second rubbing direction of the secondalignment film 34 is parallel to the direction of (θ+180°).

The array substrate AR and counter substrate CT are arranged so that thefirst alignment film 25 and second alignment film 34 may face each otheras mentioned-above. At this time, between the array substrate AR andcounter substrate CT, a spacer (for example, pillar-shaped spacer formedon the array substrate AR with resin material, which is notillustrated), is arranged, and thereby, a predetermined cell gap isformed. The array substrate AR and counter substrate CT are pastedtogether by the seal material SE while the predetermined cell gap isformed.

The liquid crystal layer LQ is constituted by liquid crystal compositeinjected into the cell gap formed between the first alignment film 25 onthe array substrate AR and the second alignment film 34 on the countersubstrate CT.

A first polarizing plate PL1 is arranged at one external surface of theliquid crystal display panel LPN, i.e., the external surface of thefirst insulating substrate 20 which constitutes the array substrate AR.A first absorption axis of the first polarizing plate PL1 is parallel tothe rubbing direction 6 of the first alignment film 25. Moreover, asecond polarizing plate PL2 is arranged at another external surface ofthe liquid crystal display device panel LPN, i.e., the external surfaceof the second insulating substrate 30 which constitutes the countersubstrate CT. The second absorption axis of the second polarizing platePL2 crosses the first absorption axis at a right angle, and is parallelto the direction of (θ+90°).

In the liquid crystal display device of such composition, in an OFFstate where the electric field is not impressed between the pixelelectrode PE and the counter electrode CE, the alignment axis of theliquid crystal molecule aligned in a homogeneous alignment is inparallel to the first absorption axis of the first polarizing plate PL1,and intersects perpendicularly with the second absorption axis of thesecond polarizing plate PL2. In an OFF state, the light which penetratesthe first polarizing plate PL1 is absorbed by the second polarizingplate PL2 after passing the liquid crystal display panel LPN.Consequently, a black image is displayed.

Moreover, in the ON state in which the electric field (fringe electricfield) is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the counterelectrode CE, some liquid crystal molecules are in response to theinfluence of electric field, and the alignment axis slightly shifts fromthe first absorption axis of the first polarizing plate PL1 and thesecond absorption axis of the second polarizing plate PL2, respectively.In the ON state, the light penetrating the first polarizing plate PL1passes the second polarizing plate PL2 after passing the liquid crystaldisplay panel LPN, thereby a white image is displayed. Accordingly, thenormally black mode is realized.

According to this embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel LPN isformed using the ODF (One Drop Fill) method. That is, after forming thearray substrate AR, for example, a closed loop-like seal material SE isformed on the array substrate AR, then a liquid crystal material isdropped in the inner side surrounded by the seal material SE, and thearray substrate AR is pasted together with the counter substrate CTformed separately. Finally, the liquid crystal panel LPN is completed.

In the dropping method, the amount of the dropped liquid crystalmaterial is approximately the same as the designed value of the capacityof the inner side surrounded by the seal material SE in the state wherethe predetermined cell gap is formed between the array substrate AR andthe counter substrate CT. At this time, however, the amount of actuallydropped liquid crystal material is tend to be set to slightly largerthan the designed amount in order to prevent the fault on the display,such as air bubbles, etc. when the dropped amount of the liquid crystalmaterial runs short. In this case, in the active area ACT, since thepredetermined cell gap is formed between the array substrate AR and thecounter substrate CT, excess liquid crystal material is accommodated inthe intermediate area MA between the active area ACT and a seal area SA.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the active area ACT, theintermediate area MA and the seal area SA in the liquid crystal displaypanel LPN. Only the composition necessary for explanation is illustratedhere.

In the active area ACT, the array substrate AR is equipped with thepillar-shaped spacer 40 formed on the third interlayer insulating film24. Between the first insulating substrate 20 and the third interlayerinsulating film 24, the gate insulating film 21, the first interlayerinsulating film 22, the second interlayer insulating film 23, etc. arearranged, and further wiring portions, which are not illustrated, suchas the switching element SW, the gate wiring G and the source line S arearranged. That is, the spacer 40 is located above the wiring portions.Moreover, the spacer 40 is located between the first insulatingsubstrate 20 and counter substrate CT.

On the other hand, a peripheral portion 32B of the color filter 32 islaminated on the black matrix 31 right above the spacer 40 in thecounter substrate CT. The color filter 32 containing the peripheralportion 32B is covered with the overcoat layer 33. In addition, eachperipheral portion 32B of the adjoining color filters 32 is notoverlapped each other. In the illustrated example, the peripheralportion 32B of one color filter 32 is apart from the peripheral portion32B of another color filter 32. That is, a portion of the black matrix31 is covered with the overcoat layer 33 without being covered with thecolor filter 32. The black matrix 31, the peripheral portion 32B of thecolor filter 32, and the overcoat layer 33 are laminated between thespacer 40 and the second insulating substrate 30.

In the active area ACT, the predetermined cell gap GA is formed betweenthe array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT by such composition.In addition, although not illustrated, the first and second alignmentfilms are laminated between the spacer 40 and the overcoat layer 33.

The array substrate AR includes a pillar-shaped peripheral spacer 50formed on the third interlayer insulating film 24 in the seal area SA.The peripheral spacer 50 is formed by the same material as the spacer40, for example, resin material. In addition, the height of theperipheral spacer 50 is approximately the same as that of the spacer 40.

On the other hand, the counter substrate CT includes a peripheral lightshielding layer 35 formed on the second insulating substrate 30 and aspacer seat layer 36 formed on the peripheral light shielding layer 35.

The peripheral light shielding layer 35 successively extends from theintermediate area MA to the seal area SA, for example. The peripherallight shielding layer 35 is formed of the same material as the blackmatrix 31. In addition, the film thickness of the peripheral lightshielding layer 35 is approximately the same as that of the black matrix31.

The spacer seat layer 36 is laminated on the peripheral light shieldinglayer 35 right above the peripheral spacer 50. The spacer seat layer 36is formed of the same material as the blue color filter of the colorfilters 32. In addition, the film thickness of the spacer seat layer 36is approximately the same as the effective portion 32A of the colorfilter 32, while may be thicker than the film thickness of theperipheral portion 32B.

The overcoat layer 33 successively extends to the intermediate area MAand seal area SA from the active area ACT. That is, the overcoat layer33 is arranged between the peripheral spacer 50 and spacer seat layer36. While the film thickness of the overcoat layer 33 is uniform wherethe ground layer is flat, the film thickness of the overcoat layer 33may becomes thin locally in the portion where the ground has unevenness.For example, the film thickness of the overcoat layer 33 arrangedbetween the spacer 40 and peripheral portions 32B of the color filter 32in the active area ACT is thinner than that between the peripheralspacer 50 and spacer seat layer 36.

That is, a total thickness of the black matrix 31, the peripheralportion 32B, and the overcoat layer 33 arranged between the secondinsulating substrate 30 and the spacer 40 is thinner than the totalthickness of the peripheral light shielding layer 35, the spacer seatlayer 36, and the overcoat layer 33 formed between the second insulatingsubstrate 30 and the peripheral spacer 50. In the liquid crystal displaypanel LPN with 3.5 type active area ACT, as an example, the differencebetween the total thickness of the black matrix 31, the peripheralportion 32B and the overcoat layer 33 formed between the secondinsulating substrate 30 and the spacer 40, and the total thickness ofthe peripheral light shielding layer 35, the spacer seat layer 36 andthe overcoat layer 33 formed between the second insulating substrate 30and the peripheral spacer 50 is about 0.2 μm·0.6 μm.

For this reason, in the seal area SA, the cell gap GS larger than thecell gap GA of the active area ACT is formed between the array substrateAR and counter substrate CT. In addition, the seal material SE isarranged at the seal area SA.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the spacer is not arranged at theintermediate area MA. Since the active area ACT and the seal area SA areconfigured as above, the cell gap GM in the intermediate area MA islarger than the cell gap GA in the active area ACT, and smaller than thecell gap GS of the seal area SA. In the intermediate area MA, it ispossible to accommodate excess liquid crystal materials of the droppedcrystal materials in the manufacturing process of the liquid crystaldisplay panel LPN. In addition, even if the excess liquid crystalmaterial is accommodated, and the cell gap GM becomes larger than thepredetermined cell gap GA, a poor display is not sighted because theintermediate area MA is shielded by the peripheral light shielding layer35 and does not contribute to the display.

By the way, in the liquid crystal display panel LPN configured as shownin FIG. 5, if pressure is applied to the active area ACT, stress iseasily concentrated to the intermediate area MA where the spacer is notarranged, and the cell gap GM in the intermediate area MA changessharply. When the change of the cell gap GM is transmitted to the activearea ACT, for example, an optical change (for example, change ofretardation value) occurs in the adjacent area to the intermediate areaMA in the active area ACT, and a phenomenon (pooling) in which a screenis observed by waving occurs.

In the display mode using the lateral electric field as described-above,as compared with the display mode using the vertical electric field, aregulation strength to make the alignment of the liquid crystalmolecules by the first and second alignment films 25 and 34 is weak, andthe retardation value easily changes with external stress. Moreover, inthe normally black mode, if the retardation value changes a lot, thepolling will be easily sighted in the case of the black image display.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the active area ACT, theintermediate area MA, and the seal area SA in the liquid crystal displaypanel LPN according to the embodiment. Only the composition necessaryfor explanation is shown, and since the composition of the active areaACT and the seal area SA is the same as that of the example shown inFIG. 5, the same referential mark or symbol is attached, and detailedexplanation is omitted here.

In this embodiment, the array substrate AR includes a firstpillar-shaped spacer 61 in a first region MA1 adjacent to the activearea ACT and a second pillar-shaped spacer 62 in a second region MA2adjacent to the seal area SA in the intermediate area MA. The first andsecond pillar shaped spacers 61 and 62 are formed on the thirdinterlayer insulating film 24.

As well as the example shown in FIG. 5, the array substrate AR includesthe spacer 40 formed on the third interlayer insulating film 24 in theactive area ACT, and the peripheral spacer 50 formed on the thirdinterlayer insulating film 24 in the seal area SA. The first and secondpillar-shaped spacers 61 and 62 are formed by the same material as thespacer 40 and the peripheral spacer 50, for example, the resin material.The height of the first and second pillar-shaped spacers 61 and 62 isapproximately the same as the height of the spacer 40 and the peripheralspacer 50.

The counter substrate CT includes the peripheral light shielding layer35 formed on the second insulating substrate 30, a first color filterCF1 and a second color filter CF2 formed on the peripheral lightshielding layer 35, and the overcoat layer 33 laminated on the firstcolor filter CF1 and second color filter CF2 in the intermediate areaMA.

The peripheral light shielding layer 35 extends from the intermediatearea MA to the seal area SA as above-mentioned. The peripheral lightshielding layer 35 is formed of the same material as the black matrix31. The film thickness of the peripheral light shielding layer 35 isapproximately the same as that of the black matrix 31.

The first color filter (dummy color filter layer) CF1 is arranged in thefirst region MA1 in the intermediate area MA. The first color filter CF1is laminated on the peripheral light shielding layer 35 right above thefirst pillar-shaped spacer 61. The first color filter CF1 has a firstwidth W1. In the illustrated example, two color filter elements CF1 withan interval D1 therebetween, are arranged adjacently each other rightabove the first pillar-shaped spacer 61.

The second color filter (dummy color filter layer) CF2 is arranged inthe second region MA2 in the intermediate area MA. The second colorfilter CF2 is laminated on the peripheral light shielding layer 35 rightabove the second pillar-shaped spacer 62. The second color filter CF2has a second width W2 different from the first width W1. In theillustrated example, single color filter CF2 is arranged right above thesecond pillar-shaped spacer 62. The second width W2 is larger than thefirst width W1.

The first color filter CF1 and second color filter CF2 are formed of thesame material as the blue color filter of the color filter 32 arrangedin the active area ACT. The film thickness of the first color filter CF1and second color filter CF2 is approximately the same as that ofeffective portion 32A of the color filter 32.

The overcoat layer 33 extends from the active area ACT to theintermediate area MA, and further to the seal area SA asabove-mentioned. That is, the overcoat layer 33 is arranged between thefirst pillar-shaped spacer 61 and the first color filter CF1, andbetween the second pillar-shaped spacer 62 and the second color filterCF2, respectively. The film thickness T1 of the overcoat layer 33arranged between the first pillar-shaped spacer 61 and the first colorfilter CF1 is thinner than the thickness T2 of the overcoat layer 33arranged between the second pillar-shaped spacer 62 and the second colorfilter CF2.

That is, the total thickness of the peripheral light shielding layer 35,the first color filter CF1, and the overcoat layer 33 respectivelyformed between the second insulating substrate 30 and the firstpillar-shaped spacer 61, is thinner than the total thickness of theperipheral light shielding layer 35, the second color filter CF2, andthe overcoat layer 33 respectively formed between the second insulatingsubstrate 30 and the second pillar-shaped spacer 62. For this reason, inthe intermediate area MA, while a cell gap GM1 is formed in the firstregion MA1 adjacent to the active area ACT, a cell gap GM2 larger thanthe cell gap GM1 is formed in the second region MA2 adjacent to the sealarea SA. In addition, the cell gap GM1 in the region MA1 isapproximately same or larger than the cell gap GA in the active areaACT, and the cell gap GM2 in the region MA2 is approximately same orsmaller than the cell gap GS of the seal area SA.

According to above configuration, while the predetermined cell gap GA isformed in the active area ACT, the cell gap is gradually expanded as itgoes to the seal area SA from the active area ACT. In the intermediatearea MA, the first and second pillar-shaped spacers 61 and 62 arearranged, and each cell gap is maintained.

Accordingly, even if pressure is applied to the active area ACT fromexterior, it becomes possible to control the change of the cell gap likea wave in the intermediate area MA. Therefore, the generation of thepolling in the active area ACT can be suppressed, and it becomespossible to provide a high quality liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 7 is a figure showing an example of a layout of the first colorfilter, the second color filter, and the spacer seat layer in the liquidcrystal display panel according to the embodiment. The number of thefirst color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the spacer seatlayer 36 is not limited to the illustrated example.

In this embodiment, all of the first color filter CF1, the second colorfilter CF2, and spacer seat layer 36 are formed in belt-like. The firstcolor filter CF1 extends in the X direction and Y directionrespectively, namely, is formed in the shape of approximatelyrectangular frame surrounding the active area ACT. Similarly, the secondcolor filter CF2 extends in the X direction and Y directionrespectively, and is formed in the shape of approximately rectangularframe surrounding the outer peripheral of the first color filter CF1.The seat layer 36 also extends in the X direction and Y directionrespectively, and is formed in the shape of approximately rectangularframe surrounding the outer peripheral of the second color filter CF2.

FIG. 8 is a figure showing other example of the layout of the firstcolor filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the spacer seat layer36 in the liquid crystal display panel LPN according to the embodiment.

In this example, all of the first color filter CF1, the second colorfilter CF2, and the spacer seat layer 36 are formed in belt-like. Theexample shown in FIG. 8 is different in that circumferences ofrespective angle portions of the first color filter CF1, the secondcolor filter CF2, and the spacer seat layer 36 are missing as comparedwith the example shown in FIG. 7.

That is, the first color filter CF1 extends in the X direction and Ydirection and consists of four segments formed in the shape of astraight line in the outside of the active area ACT in the shape of arectangle. The second color filter CF2 also extends in the X directionand Y direction and consists of four segments formed in the shape of astraight line in the outside of the first color filter CF1. Similarly,the spacer seat layer 36 extends in the X direction and Y direction andconsists of four segments formed in the shape of a straight line in theoutside of the second color filter CF2, respectively.

FIG. 9 is a figure showing other example of the layout of the firstcolor filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the spacer seat layer36 in the liquid crystal display panel LPN according to the embodiment.

In this example shown in the figure, the first color filter CF1, thesecond color filter CF2, and the spacer seat layer 36 are respectivelyformed in the shape of an island. In the example shown in FIG. 9, threeislands in one segment of the color filters F1 and F2, and spacer seatlayer 36 are used respectively. However, the number of the islands isnot limited to three, but may use any plural number.

Next, a relation of the total film thickness of the peripheral lightshielding layer 35, the dummy color filter composed of the first colorfilter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 and the overcoat layer 33arranged between the second insulating substrate 30 and the first andsecond pillar-shaped spacers 61 and 62, with the width W of the dummycolor filter CF and the interval D between the dummy color filters CF isreviewed. FIG. 10 is a figure showing the result of the review.

Here, with reference to the width W of the dummy color filter CF,samples having the width W of once (W=1) as many as a reference value,twice (W=2), 3 times (W=3), 4 times (W=4) and 6 times (W=6), that is,five samples were prepared. Moreover, with reference to the interval Dbetween the dummy color filters CF, the sample of zero (D=0) (that is,dummy color filter CF is formed of single one), once (D=1) as many as areference value, twice (D=2), 3 times (D=3), and 4 times (D=4), that is,five samples were prepared.

Regarding the total film thickness T, the value in the case of W=6 andD=2 is presumed as a reference value (0). In the case of W=4 and D=2,the value decreases by about 0.04 μm than the reference value, in thecase of W=3 and D=3, the value decreases by about 0.15 μm than thereference value, in the case of W=2 and D=0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, the valuedecreases by 0.3 μm to 0.4 μm than the reference value, and in the caseof W=1 and D=0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 , the value decreases by 0.5 μm to 0.65 μmthan the reference value.

The difference of the total film thickness T mainly originates in thedifference of the film thickness of the overcoat layer 33 which overlapswith the dummy color filter CF. That is, the leveling nature changeswith the width W and the interval D of the dummy color filters CF inwhich the dummy color filters CF serve as the ground for the overcoatlayer 33. As a consequence, the film thickness of the overcoat layer 33laminated on the dummy color filter CF becomes thinner as the area ofthe dummy color filter CF used as the ground of the overcoat layer 33becomes smaller. Moreover, the film thickness of the overcoat layer 33laminated on the dummy color filter CF becomes thinner as the intervalbetween the dummy color filters CF used as the ground of the overcoatlayer 33 becomes larger.

In this embodiment, such a film thickness difference of the overcoatlayer 33 is used, and it was confirmed that the total film thickness Tcan be controlled by the width W of the dummy color filter CF and theinterval D between the dummy color filters CF. In the example shownhere, it was confirmed that the thickness can be controlled in the rangeup to 0.65 μm.

Next, other examples of the composition are explained. FIG. 11 is across-sectional view showing the active area ACT, the intermediate areaMA, and the seal area SA in the liquid crystal display panel LPNaccording to other embodiment. In addition, here only compositionnecessary for explanation is shown, and since the composition of theactive area ACT and the seal area SA is the same as that of the exampleshown in FIG. 5, the same referential mark or symbol is attached, anddetailed explanation is omitted here.

The composition shown in FIG. 11 is different in that the second widthW2 of the second color filter CF2 is smaller than the first width W1 ofthe first color filter CF1 comparing with the example of the compositionshown in FIG. 6.

That is, in the intermediate area MA, the array substrate AR includesthe first pillar-shaped spacer 61 arranged in the first region MA1 andthe second pillar-shaped spacer 62 arranged in the region MA2. Thecounter substrate CT includes the peripheral light shielding layer 35formed on the second insulating substrate 30, the first color filter CF1and the second color filter CF2 laminated on the peripheral lightshielding layer 35, and the overcoat layer 33 laminated on the first andsecond color filters CF1 and CF2.

The first color filter CF1 is arranged in the first region MA1 in theintermediate area MA. The first color filter CF1 is laminated on theperipheral light shielding layer 35 right above the first pillar-shapedspacer 61 formed on the array substrate AR. In the illustrated example,a pair of color filters CF1 with a first width W1 is arranged adjacentlyeach other right above the first pillar-shaped spacer 61 at an intervalDl.

The second color filter CF2 is arranged in the second region MA2 in theintermediate area MA. The second color filter CF2 is laminated on theperipheral light shielding layer 35 above the second pillar-shapedspacer 62 formed on the array substrate AR. In the illustrated example,six second color filter elements CF2 with a second width W2 are arrangedadjacently each other right above the second pillar-shaped spacer 62 atan interval D2, respectively. The interval D2 between the adjacentsecond color filter elements CF2 is smaller than the interval D1 betweenthe adjacent first color filter elements CF1. That is, the second colorfilter elements CF2 are arranged more densely than the first colorfilter elements CF1.

The overcoat layer 33 is arranged between the first pillar-shaped spacer61 and the first color filter CF1, and between the second pillar-shapedspacer 62 and second color filter CF2, respectively. The film thicknessof the overcoat layer 33 laminated on the first color filter CF1 tendsto become thinner because the first color filter elements CF1 arearranged comparatively in a sparse state. On the other hand, the filmthickness of the overcoat layer 33 laminated on the second color filterCF2 tends to become thicker because the second color filter elements CF2are arranged comparably in a dense state. That is, the film thickness T2of the overcoat layer 33 between the second pillar-shaped spacer 62 andsecond color filter CF2 is larger than the film thickness T1 of theovercoat layer 33 between the first pillar-shaped spacer 61 and firstcolor filter CF1.

Therefore, the relation among the cell gap GA in the active area ACT,the cell gap GM1 in the first region MA1 in the intermediate area MA,the cell gap GM2 in the second region MA2 in the intermediate area MAand the cell gap GS in the seal area SA becomes as follows as well asthe example shown in FIG. 6.

GA≦GM1<GM2≦GS

According to such composition, the same effect as the example shown inFIG. 6 is acquired.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the active area ACT, theintermediate area MA, and the seal area SA in the liquid crystal displaypanel LPN according to other embodiment. In addition, here onlycomposition necessary for explanation is shown, and since thecomposition of the active area ACT and the seal area SA is the same asthat of the example shown in FIG. 6, the same referential mark or symbolis attached and detailed explanation is omitted here.

The example of the composition shown in FIG. 12 is different from thecomposition shown in FIG. 11 in that the first width W1 of the firstcolor filter CF1 is the same as the second width W2 of the second colorfilter CF2. That is, in the intermediate area MA, the array substrate ARincludes the first pillar-shaped spacer 61 arranged in the first regionMA1 and the second pillar-shaped spacer 62 in the second region MA2. Thecounter substrate CT includes the peripheral light shielding layer 35formed on the second insulating substrate 30, the first color filter CF1and the second color filter CF2 laminated on the peripheral lightshielding layer 35, and overcoat layer 33 laminated on the first colorfilter CF1 and the second color filter CF2.

The first color filter CF1 is arranged in the first region MA1 of theintermediate area MA. The first color filter CF1 is laminated on theperipheral light shielding layer 35 right above the first pillar-shapedspacer 61 formed on the array substrate AR. In the illustrated example,two first color filter elements CF1 respectively having the first widthW1 are arranged adjacently each other at the interval D1.

The second color filter CF2 is arranged in the second region MA2 of theintermediate area MA. The second color filter CF2 is laminated on theperipheral light shielding layer 35 right above the second pillar-shapedspacer 62 formed on the array substrate AR. In the illustrated example,three first color filter elements CF2 respectively having the secondwidth W2 are arranged adjacently each other at the interval D2. Theinterval D2 between the second color filter elements CF2 is smaller thanthe interval D1 between the first color filter elements CF1. That is,the second color filters elements CF2 are arranged more densely than thefirst color filters CF1.

The first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 are formed ofthe same material as the blue color filter of the color filter 32arranged in the active area ACT.

The overcoat layer 33 is arranged between the first pillar-shaped spacer61 and the first color filter CF1, and between the second pillar-shapedspacer 62 and the second color filter CF2, respectively. The filmthickness T2 of the overcoat layer 33 between the second pillar-shapedspacer 62 and the second color filter CF2 is larger than the filmthickness T1 of the overcoat layer 33 between the first pillar-shapedspacer 61 and the first color filter CF1 as well as the embodiment shownin FIG. 11.

Therefore, the relation among the cell gap GA in the active area ACT,the cell gap GM1 in the first region MA1 in the intermediate area MA,the cell gap GM2 in the second region MA2 in the intermediate area MAand the cell gap GS in the seal area SA becomes as follows as well asthe example shown in FIG. 6.

GA≦GM1<GM2≦GS

According to such composition, the same effect as the example shown inFIG. 6 is acquired.

Next, a liquid crystal display device equipped with a touch panel TP isexplained as other embodiment. FIG. 13 is a figure schematically showingthe composition of the liquid crystal display device according to thisembodiment.

The illustrated liquid crystal display device 1 is equipped with a touchpanel TP on the counter substrate CT which constitutes the liquidcrystal display device panel LPN. Although various forms are applicableto the composition of the touch panel TP, one example is explained here.

Namely, the touch panel TP includes a first support substrate 71arranged on the external surface of the counter substrate CT, first asensing electrode 72 arranged on the first support substrate 71, adielectric layer 73 arranged on the first sensing electrode 72, a secondsensing electrode 74 arranged on the dielectric layer 73, and a secondsupport substrate 75 arranged on the second sensing electrode 74.

The first support substrate 71 and the second support substrate 75 areformed of a resin substrate, respectively. For example, the firstsensing electrode 72 is supported by the first support substrate 71, andis formed in the shape of a stripe. The second sensing electrode 74 issupported by the second support substrate 75, and is formed in the shapeof a stripe. The first sensing electrode 72 and the second sensingelectrode 74 face each other through the dielectric layer 73 so thatthey cross perpendicularly each other. The first sensing electrode 72and second sensing electrode 74 are formed of transmissive electricconductive material, such as ITO and IZO. In the touch panel TP of suchcomposition, contact or touch by human is detectable according to changeof a capacitance between the first sensing electrode 72 and secondsensing electrode 74.

In the liquid crystal display device 1 equipped with such a touch panelTP, external force is easily applied to the liquid crystal display panelLPN through the touch panel TP. Accordingly, it is very effective toapply the composition of this embodiment in order to suppress thegeneration of the polling.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, a high quality liquidcrystal display can be provided.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. In practice, the structural and method elementscan be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.Various embodiments can be made by properly combining the structural andmethod elements disclosed in the embodiments. For example, somestructural and method elements may be omitted from all the structuraland method elements disclosed in the embodiments. Furthermore, thestructural and method elements in different embodiments may properly becombined. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended tocover such forms or modifications as would fall with the scope andspirit of the inventions.

1. A liquid crystal display device, comprising: a first substrateincluding; a pixel electrode arranged in an active area to display animage in the first substrate, a seal area surrounding the active area,and a first pillar-shaped spacer arranged adjacent to the active areaand a second pillar-shaped spacer arranged adjacent to the seal area inan intermediate area located between the active area and the seal area,a second substrate including; a peripheral light shielding layerextending from the intermediate area to the seal area, a first colorfilter of a first width laminated on the peripheral light shieldinglayer right above the first pillar-shaped spacer in the shape of a beltor an island, a second color filter of a second width different from thefirst width, the second color filter being laminated on the peripherallight shielding layer right above the second pillar-shaped spacer in theshape of a belt or an island, and an overcoat layer laminated on thefirst and second color filters, a seal material arranged on the sealarea of the first substrate to attach the first and second substrates inthe shape of a closed loop; and a liquid crystal layer held between thefirst and second substrates; wherein the thickness of the overcoat layerarranged between the first pillar-shaped spacer and the first colorfilter is smaller than that arranged between the second pillar-shapedspacer and the second color filter.
 2. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the first width of the first color filteris smaller than the second width of the second color filter.
 3. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein therespective first and second color filters are formed of two or morecolor filter elements, and the second width of the second color filterelements is smaller than the first width of the first color filterelements, and the interval between the adjacent first color filterelements is larger than that between the adjacent second color filterelements.
 4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1,wherein the first and second color filters are formed of the same colorfilter as a blue color filter formed in the active area.
 5. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising a touchpanel on the second substrate.
 6. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the first substrate further includes acounter electrode and an insulating film formed between the pixelelectrode and the counter electrode, and slits are formed in the pixelelectrode so as to oppose the counter electrode.
 7. A liquid crystaldisplay device, comprising: a first substrate including; a pixelelectrode arranged in an active area to display an image in the firstsubstrate, a seal area surrounding the active area, and a firstpillar-shaped spacer arranged adjacent to the active area and secondpillar-shaped spacer arranged adjacent to the seal area in anintermediate area located between the active area and the seal area, asecond substrate including; a peripheral light shielding layer extendingfrom the intermediate area to the seal area, a first color filter havingtwo or more first color filter elements with a width and laminated onthe peripheral light shielding layer right above the first pillar-shapedspacer in the shape of a belt or an island, a second color filter havingtwo or more second color filter elements with an approximately samewidth as that of the first color filter elements, the second colorfilter being laminated on the peripheral light shielding layer rightabove the second pillar-shaped spacer in the shape of a belt or anisland, wherein the interval between the adjacent second color filterelements of the second color filter is smaller than that between theadjacent first color filter elements, and an overcoat layer laminated onthe first and second color filters, a seal material arranged on the sealarea of the first substrate to attach the first and second substrates inthe shape of a closed loop; and a liquid crystal layer held between thefirst and second substrates; wherein the thickness of the overcoat layerarranged between the first pillar-shaped spacer and the first colorfilter is smaller than that arranged between the second pillar-shapedspacer and the second color filter.
 8. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the first substrate further includes acounter electrode and an insulating film formed between the pixelelectrode and the counter electrode, and slits are formed in the pixelelectrode so as to oppose the counter electrode.
 9. The liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 7, wherein the first and second colorfilters are formed of the same color filter as a blue color filterarranged in the active area.
 10. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 7, further comprising a touch panel on the secondsubstrate.
 11. A liquid crystal display device, comprising: a firstsubstrate including; a pixel electrode arranged in an active area todisplay an image in the first substrate, a seal area surrounding theactive area, and an intermediate area located between the active areaand the seal area, a second substrate including; a peripheral lightshielding layer extending from the intermediate area to the seal area,an overcoat layer laminated on the second substrate, a seal materialarranged on the seal area of the first substrate to attach the first andsecond substrates, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first andsecond substrates; wherein the liquid crystal display device furthercomprises: a first pillar shaped-spacer formed between the firstsubstrate and the overcoat layer to form a first cell gap between thefirst and second substrates in the active area; a second pillar-shapedspacer formed between the first substrate and the overcoat layer andarranged adjacent to the active area to form a second cell gap betweenthe first and second substrates in the intermediate area, a first colorfilter with a first width being laminated on the peripheral lightshielding layer right above the second pillar-shaped spacer in the shapeof a belt or an island, a third pillar-shaped spacer formed between thefirst substrate and the overcoat layer and arranged adjacent to the sealarea to form a third cell gap between the first and second substrates inthe intermediate area, a second color filter with a second widthdifferent from the first width being laminated on the peripheral lightshielding layer right above the third pillar-shaped spacer in the shapeof a belt or an island, and a fourth pillar-shaped spacer formed betweenthe first substrate and the overcoat layer and arranged to form a fourthcell gap between the first and second substrates in the seal area; andwherein the relation among the respective cell gaps between the firstand second substrates is expressed by the following equation;first cell gap≦second cell gap<third cell gap≦fourth cell gap.
 12. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 11, wherein the sealmaterial is formed in the shape of a rectangle and includes four lineportions along the active area formed in the shape of a rectangle. 13.The liquid crystal display device according to claim 11, wherein thethickness of the respective first and second color filters in theintermediate area is approximately the same as that of the color filterin the active area.
 14. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 11, wherein the seal material surrounds the first and second colorfilters in the intermediate area.
 15. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 11, further comprising a touch panel on the secondsubstrate.
 16. A liquid crystal display device, comprising: a firstsubstrate including; a pixel electrode arranged in an active area todisplay an image in the first substrate, a seal area surrounding theactive area, and an intermediate area located between the active areaand the seal area, a second substrate including; a peripheral lightshielding layer extending from the intermediate area to the seal area,and an overcoat layer laminated on the second substrates, a sealmaterial arranged on the seal area of the first substrate to attach thefirst and second substrates; and a liquid crystal layer held between thefirst and second substrates; wherein the liquid crystal display devicefurther comprises: a first pillar shaped-spacer formed between the firstsubstrate and the overcoat layer to form a first cell gap between thefirst and second substrates in the active area; a second pillar-shapedspacer arranged adjacent to the active area to form a second cell gapbetween the first and second substrates in the intermediate areaincluding a first color filter having two or more first color filterelements with a width, the first color filter being laminated on theperipheral light shielding layer right above the second pillar-shapedspacer in the shape of a belt or an island, a third pillar-shaped spacerarranged adjacent to the seal area to form a third cell gap between thefirst and second substrates in the intermediate area and including asecond color filter having two or more second color filter elements withan approximately same width as that of the first filter layer, thesecond color filter being laminated on the peripheral light shieldinglayer right above the third pillar-shaped spacer in the shape of a beltor an island, wherein the interval between the adjacent second colorfilter elements of the second color filter is smaller than that betweenthe adjacent first color filter elements; and a fourth pillar-shapedspacer arranged to form a fourth cell gap between the first and secondsubstrates in the seal area; and wherein the relation among therespective cell gaps between the first and second substrates isexpressed by the following equation;first cell gap≦second cell gap<third cell gap≦fourth cell gap.
 17. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 16, wherein the sealmaterial is formed in the shape of a rectangle and includes four lineportions along the active area formed in the shape of rectangle.
 18. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 16, wherein thethickness of the respective first and second color filters in theintermediate area is approximately the same as that of the color filterin the active area.
 19. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 18, wherein the first and second color filters are formed of ablue color filter formed in the active area.
 20. The liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 16, further comprising a touch panelon the second substrate.